CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-9500T vs Core i7-9700T
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-9500T is a low-power, enterprise-focused desktop processor designed for small form factor business PCs and compact workstations, featuring a 35W TDP and vPro support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent for office environments, large spreadsheets, and heavy web browsing.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming; integrated graphics can handle basic 2D and very light 3D apps.
Virtualization
vPro and VT-x support make it highly capable for enterprise VDI setups.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency; runs exceptionally cool.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Low power limits prevent sustained AI workloads
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- UHD 630 is only for display output or very old games
- Not designed for 3D gaming workloads
- Low base clock hinders gaming performance
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strict 35W TDP (configurable to 25W)
- Intel vPro support for enterprise management
- 6 physical cores for multitasking
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630
- Runs exceptionally cool and quiet
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.2 GHz
- Locked multiplier
- Expensive compared to consumer i5 parts
- No Hyper-Threading
- End-of-life platform
Pros
- Very low 35W TDP
- 8 physical cores
- Quiet operation capability
- Includes UHD 630 graphics
Cons
- Low base clock of 2.0 GHz
- Locked multiplier
- Harder to find on the retail market
- No Hyper-Threading
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-9500T
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 2600GERival
Low Power Enterprise
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500Rival
Mainstream Enterprise
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low Power Enterprise
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8500TRival
Low Power Enterprise
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low Power Enterprise
Cheaper and offers nearly identical performance if vPro is not needed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-10500TAlt
Newer generation with 12 threads and better efficiency.
Core i7-9700T
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700ERival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-9500TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8700TRival
Low-Power Desktop
- AMD Ryzen 5 3400GERival
Low-Power Desktop
- Intel Core i7-9700EAlt
Slightly higher 65W TDP for better sustained clocks.
Standard 65W version with higher base clock.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3700EAlt
Newer low-power alternative with SMT.
More budget-friendly low-power option.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-10700TAlt
Next-gen 10-core low-power option.
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent low-power processor for enterprise environments. The 35W TDP and vPro support make it ideal for compact, managed office PCs.
Best for: Building a silent home server, pfSense router, or compact enterprise PC where vPro and 35W TDP are required.
Read the full reviewAn excellent choice for compact systems needing 8-core efficiency without the heat of standard desktop processors.
Best for: Building a quiet small form factor PC
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-9500T or Core i7-9700T?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-9500T leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i5-9500T and Core i7-9700T.
Do Intel Core i5-9500T and Core i7-9700T use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-9500T: Intel Socket 1151, Core i7-9700T: LGA 1151), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9700T has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-9500T (6 cores), Core i7-9700T (8 cores).